Some Sacramento council members to decline salary raise. Here’s who and why
At least three Sacramento council members say they will not accept the salary raises given to them earlier this week, citing the city’s financial situation which could lead to layoffs and reduced funding for youth.
Councilmember Mai Vang released a statement Friday afternoon saying she would not accept the pay increase and would request the city clerk redirect the money back into her district to “better support community needs.” Councilmember Roger Dickinson and Councilmember Rick Jennings said they intend to do the same, while Councilmember Lisa Kaplan will accept the raise.
Mayor Kevin McCarty, through a spokesperson, said “no comment.” The other four council members did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
On Monday, the city’s Compensation Commission — which reviews the council salaries annually — unanimously voted to give the entire elected body a raise. The decision would increase McCarty’s annual salary to $184,464 from $164,205. Council members would see their pay grow to $111,324 from $102,793. The council has nine elected officials, including the mayor.
The commission cited a city staff survey, which found their compensation ranked near the bottom among leaders in cities such as Denver, Fresno, Long Beach, Portland and San Jose. Sacramento’s charter directs the commission to set pay that is “reasonable and consistent” with comparable cities.
“My colleagues and I work incredibly hard for this city and while I understand the independent compensation commission’s recommendation for the raise, it feels irresponsible for me to accept a raise while so many residents are suffering,” Vang said in the statement.
Kaplan, in a written statement on Friday, said she would “respect” the compensation commission and accept the raise. She added that each councilmember “should have that choice” and supports Vang’s decision.
“Based on data presented the commission unanimously agreed that in order to comply with the statutory provisions a raise for the mayor and councilmembers is warranted, especially since the mayor’s salary was the lowest amongst all comparable cities,” Kaplan said in the statement.
Dickinson said he is “exploring different options” but intends to use the increase amount toward supporting activities and programs in his district. The decision is partially due to the city’s financial situation.
“Also, because I want to do more for the district,” he said.
City spokesperson Gabby Miller said the mayor and council members will receive the approved increase in their budgets and can redirect the funds as they wish.
The pay bumps are expected to take effect June 14, days after the council is expected to finalize the city’s budget that could include layoffs, increased fees for seniors and less funding for youth programs. In Vang’s statement, she pointed to these factors and the decisions at the federal level that have increased “pressure on working families to afford their basic needs.”
This story was originally published May 16, 2025 at 3:37 PM.
